Caravan licensing

Caravan site licensing

It is illegal to use land as a caravan site unless you have a site licence. A caravan site licence is written permission from us to set up caravans on any land. These can be residential or touring sites.

Before applying for a licence, you will probably need planning permission. You will not get a licence until you have planning permission.

One of our officers will arrange to inspect the site. They will then discuss the conditions and requirements of the licence with you. Conditions cover a range of health and safety standards and can include:

the type of caravan allowed on site

number of caravans

when the site can be used

water supplies

sanitary provisions, such as toilets and washing facilities

caravan spacing

fire safety

roadways

Exemptions

You do not need a licence if:

the caravan is in the grounds of a home and is used as part of the home

a single caravan is sited for not more than 2 consecutive nights for a maximum of 28 days in any 12-month period

there are up to 3 caravans on a site of not less than 5 acres for a total of 28 days in any 12-month period

the site is occupied by exempted organisations such as the Caravan Club

the site has up to 5 caravans, is certified by an exempted organisation and is for members only

the site is occupied by the council, usually gypsy and traveller sites

the site is for temporary and special purposes such as caravan rallies, agricultural and forestry workers, builders

the site is for tents only and used for a maximum of 28 days in any 12-month period

Getting a licence

Contact the private housing service who will make a site visit and send the necessary forms. Your application form will need to be attached to a site plan showing the layout of roads, caravans and facilities.